Lionel Messi Skips Argentina World Cup Runners-Up Reception, Disappoints Thousands of Fans
Thousands of Argentine fans braved rain and cold to welcome their World Cup runners-up team home in Buenos Aires, but superstar Lionel Messi was notably absent. After Argentina's 0-1 final loss to Spain, Messi flew directly to Miami instead of joining the team. The government, led by President Javier Milei, prepared a protocol reception at the airport with a red carpet and honor guard, but no high-ranking officials attended, as Milei stated politics should not appropriate the football celebration. The team traveled by open bus to the AFA training ground in Ezeiza, cheered by fans. However, no further official honors occurred; a planned public holiday was canceled as players were not in a celebratory mood. Several key players, including Enzo Fernández, Lautaro Martínez, Julián Álvarez, and Rodrigo De Paul, also traveled directly to their clubs or on vacation.
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